New Indian market faring well in Fall River

Tuesday

Aug 19, 2014 at 10:00 PMAug 20, 2014 at 11:22 AM

Patel & Patel Indian Grocery is attracting customers looking for authentic Indian foods.

Linda Murphy Lifestyle Editor @HNFastFood

At first glance, Fall River wouldn’t seem like the most likely spot for an Indian market, but Patel & Patel Indian Grocery, at 856 North Main St., is drawing customers from near and far, said owner Brijesh Patel.

He and his wife, Niragi Patel, opened the market selling primarily Indian and Pakistani food a few weeks ago and so far, the response has been positive, even for those customers who have little knowledge of Indian fare.

By his estimates, there’s more than 800 Indian and Pakistani families within 20 miles and there’s nothing like this market for 25 miles, according to Brijesh “Sunny” Patel.

And for the most part, those families cook meals three times a day, he added.

A 20-pound bag of basmati rice could easily get used up by an extended Indian family within a couple weeks and the same goes for the 8-pound bags of lentils, split peas, and beans that are common in Indian fare. Yogurt, a staple for sauces and beverages, is sold in five-pound containers. And while anyone who has dabbled in making Indian food has purchased a jar of curry spice, this market sells all of the individual spices that make up each family’s personal curry blends. The tea selection includes loose tea leaves and powdered varieties of black and green teas. And for bakers, there’s a dizzying array of flours from those used in desserts, to multi-grain chappati flour.

Fresh vegetables include those common to mainstream markets (potatoes, garlic and ginger) and more exotic varieties such as karela, a bitter gourd that’s especially beneficial to one’s health, he said. Mango, a favorite for snacks, meals, and in the traditional mango lasse (the Indian version of a yogurt-based smoothie) is sold fresh by the case, or in a concentrated pulp. There’s also pre-made mango lasses, in the refrigerated section.

The Indian market also has the frozen varieties of traditional Indian vegetables to make “semi” from-scratch meals, which Niragi Patel said she uses from time to time as a busy business owner. For even more convenience, they sell frozen meals, breads and sandwiches and treats such as the preservative-free cashew raisin ice cream. A variety of treats are sold in the refrigerated case

There’s also boxed mixes, sauces, and relishes to make traditional Indian dishes such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and biryani masala.

And for those customers who have no idea about Indian food? Niragi said they’re more than willing to offer suggestions or advice. For starters, she suggests some “fast food,” such as one of the pre-made hot samosas, a type of handheld pie filled with potatoes, carrots and peas. For now, they sell those hot every day, and in the coming weeks, they expect to begin selling more hot food.

Patel & Patel Grocery is the couple’s fourth business on North Main Street. They also own Sunny’s Convenience Store at 562 North Main St., Low Price Convenience at 870 North Main St., in the same shopping center as the new market, and Sun and Shine Convenience at 1447 North Main St.